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My first violin is supposed to arrive tomorrow. This morning, I had an idea. I retuned the first three strings of one of my guitars to D, E and A. Then I put a capo on the twelfth fret. I figured this would simulate violin fingering, to a certain extent. I played the E major scale and played "Doe a Deer". Of course I was holding the guitar across my chest as usual, so I had another idea. Try to get the guitar under my chin. Well, all I can say is. That was a bad idea!
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Fiddlerman's Fiddle Talk Forum
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Just wait till it turns up if you are excited now lol. Have you got a mandolin? They use the closest tuning you will get to fiddle, and the necks not much different length either.
You are going to just love the violin, it becomes an addiction.
Cant beat a sunny day
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No mandolin but I do have a ukelele. FedEx is supposed to deliver in about 16 hours. I hope I can sleep tonight!
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When you get it, dont start moving the bridge around, its always tempting to mess with new instruments, I do it myself with mine, but on fiddle, especially a fiddlerman one which are set up perfectly be careful 
Cant beat a sunny day
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congrats on your soon delivery. good times!
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Thanks.
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Stayrook
Grats on you new fiddle, keep us updated on your progress.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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Thanks, I will.
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@Stayrook -
Well... how's it goin' with your new Fiddle?
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Thanks for asking.
Well, it took a while to arrive. The Federal Express experience was very annoying. I'll skip the long aggravating story, but it was supposed to be delivered Sunday afternoon, and I didn't get it until Tuesday evening.
But now she's here and I love her. She's a beauty. I named her Claire.
I'm working on left hand and bowing separately so far. I've been plucking simple tunes and I'm starting to get a handle on intonation. I'm getting a really nice sound when doing bowing exercises. Going from string to string is still a little tricky. When I try combining left hand with bowing things go south quickly!
I played so much last night; I have a sore collar bone this morning. I played around with the shoulder rest a lot, but really never got very comfortable. I'm going to try playing without using a shoulder rest.
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@Stayrook I may have missed it, but what violin did you get? Was it from Fiddlershop? I purchased my new Fiddlershop violin a couple of months ago (It was one of their sample instruments) and I couldn't be happier! Hope you enjoy it!!!
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the shop app has always estimated delivery dates early for me which doesnt seem like a big deal except on some things it requires a signature.
so ive arranged for someone to be at home and then it isnt even delivered
so i can imagine.
BUT...the main thing is new fiddle day! congrats again and share some progress one day.
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Kennon said
@Stayrook I may have missed it, but what violin did you get? Was it from Fiddlershop? I purchased my new Fiddlershop violin a couple of months ago (It was one of their sample instruments) and I couldn't be happier! Hope you enjoy it!!!
I got a Fiddlerman Artist. I am very happy with it!
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stringy said
When you get it, dont start moving the bridge around, its always tempting to mess with new instruments, I do it myself with mine, but on fiddle, especially a fiddlerman one which are set up perfectly be careful
I wouldn't dream of messing around too much with this instrument. I was even a little scared when I had to use the tuning pegs. I've taken electric guitars apart and replaced all the electrical components, but the violin seems so delicate.
It is hard to take a break. I just now took a break because my hands were cramping. Earlier today I took a break and played my guitar. After struggling to make Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star sound a little bit decent, I felt like a genius playing the guitar!
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When you tune it, turn the peg a fracfion low before you tune it up.
Difficult to put it down isnt it lol, it makes guitar look like a childs toy, I took it up as a challenge to myself and found to my shock I couldnt do anything with it, and when I did start to learn a bit I was even more shocked to find I couldnt actually tell if I was in tune when playing it, as my ears hadnt developed at all by then.
I too played guitar for many many years, as well as lots of other string instruments, the violin as anyone on here will tell you is a different beast, along with viola probably the hardest intruent in the world to learn, but alsothe most satisfying as well. Never get discouraged its hard, but you will get there.
Cant beat a sunny day
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@Stayrook -
Congratulations!
I found it helpful to use 'something' to keep my fiddle from slipping around on my shoulder - to begin with. Like many folks, I needed to try more than one shoulder rest, because everyone is different. Fiddlerman suggests a sponge, if nothing else - but if possible, look for local help getting set up.
https://fiddlerman.com/2010/09.....he-violin/
More help in deciding what you may need in a shoulder rest.
There's so much weirdness learning to play the fiddle - so many unusual variables to control all at once! You already know about intonation, but it will still be difficult to not tense up & over-react. Might help to focus on a few things as you learn to bow straight & find LH fingerings.
- think moving the bow from the elbow
- search out bow hand finger placement/their purpose & flexibility exercises
- if you find yourself gripping the neck of your fiddle - pretend your thumb died (including the big muscle in your palm)
- find the LEAST amount of pressure needed from the LH fingers to stop each string from vibrating
Very exciting time - don't let anything discourage you!
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Thanks for the info.
Today I was using a folded washcloth attached with rubber bands. It worked fairly well. It helped with the comfort level but was not ideal.
I don't get discouraged easily. I'm still excited!1
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